Blue Shield of California has agreed to immediately cover the cost of applied behavior analysis therapy, which the California Insurance Commission calls well-recognized and effective. Under the settlement, Blue Shield of California no longer will deny the therapy as a non-covered service, challenge its medical necessity or force parents to get approval from an independent medical reviewer before starting treatment.

“This favorable settlement agreement eliminates the frustration and insecurity so many families have faced when seeking autism treatment for their children,” Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement released by his office.